What is Kanal Istanbul?

Kanal Istanbul is an artificial waterway project planned to reduce ship traffic and navigation risks in the Bosphorus. The project is approximately 45 kilometers long and is planned to have a minimum bottom width of 275 meters and a depth of 20.75 meters. Kanal Istanbul is not only a transportation project; it is also considered a comprehensive urban development project with the New City reserve construction area, social facilities, green spaces, bridges, and transportation connections planned around it.

Where Will Kanal Istanbul Pass?

According to the planned route, Kanal Istanbul will start from Lake Küçükçekmece, follow the Sazlıdere Dam basin, and reach the Black Sea through the Terkos/Durusu area. The project, planned along the Küçükçekmece-Sazlıdere-Durusu route, aims to create a new transportation, living, and investment corridor on the European side of Istanbul.

What Kind of Living Area is Planned Around Kanal Istanbul?

The New City reserve construction area planned around Kanal Istanbul is expected to accommodate approximately 500,000 residents. The population is planned to be limited to 750,000 people, aiming for a controlled and organized urban development approach. Instead of high-rise buildings, horizontal architecture with a maximum of 4-5 floors and a neighborhood-based concept will be applied. Social housing and reserve housing projects led by TOKİ and Emlak Konut are planned to be implemented in phases.

What Will Be Included in the New City Project?

The New City project is designed not only as a residential area but also as a self-sufficient smart city concept. The area will include financial centers, congress and exhibition areas, commercial centers, technology development and R&D zones, hospital complexes focused on health tourism, university areas, technology valleys, and logistics centers. Thanks to its proximity to Istanbul Airport and major highway networks, the region is planned to become an important logistics hub.

Bridge and Transportation Plans for Kanal Istanbul

Within the scope of the Kanal Istanbul project, a total of 6 bridges are planned to connect both sides of the canal. These bridges will allow major transportation routes such as the D-100 Highway, TEM Highway, Northern Marmara Highway, and D-20 State Road to continue without interruption across the canal. Some bridges are also planned to include railway connections. The ongoing Sazlıdere Bridge has a total length of 1,618 meters and is designed as a 2x4 lane bridge.

Green Areas, Sports Facilities, and Social Amenities

In the planning of Kanal Istanbul and the New City project, a significant portion of the total area has been allocated for green spaces, roads, and social facilities. The project aims to create regional green areas, recreation zones, parks, walking paths, cycling routes, and outdoor sports areas. Indoor sports facilities, gyms, football fields, and basketball courts are also included in the plans to support social life.

What is the Purpose of Kanal Istanbul?

The main purpose of Kanal Istanbul is to reduce heavy ship traffic in the Bosphorus and minimize risks caused by tanker passages carrying hazardous materials. In addition, the project is planned as one of Istanbul’s future development corridors with new transportation connections, logistics centers, commercial areas, social living spaces, and modern urban development goals.